Apr 28, 2015

After running the Oxfam 100 km event last year, I began a speed work campaign ahead of the City to Surf in August. My first foray into speed on that occasion was a 3 km time trial on May 22, which I ran in 10:59.

Today I thought I’d have another go on the same course. I’m pleased to say I ran it in 10:52, and it felt more comfortable than I remember it being last year. That’s an average of under 3:38 per km. My actual splits were 3:45, 3:37, and 3:30. The last kilometre hurt a bit, but I recovered pretty quickly afterwards.

I then ran the same course again on June 11 last year in 10:56. It wasn’t until July 1 that I ran it faster than I did today. On that occasion it was a 10:45. So, it would appear I’m ahead of where I was last year by about six to eight weeks or more. I now have to turn that into a good time in the City to Surf (and the Sutherland to Surf lead up race). My aim is to get to as close to my “age” as I can, possibly even “beating my age”. As mentioned previously, that would mean a City to Surf in 54:27 or under.

Today’s photo is from a day on the world run in Arizona, just out of Prescott, when I was surprised by a snow storm from the day before. However, it made for very pleasant running once the storm cleared and the sun came out. One definitely needs sun glasses with the combination of a full snow cover and bright sunshine.

Today was a tale of two halves. I began in lovely farming countryside, although it was very cool, requiring a jacket and gloves. The road was very quiet, and I passed more cyclists than motorists.

As the day heated up (and I discarded my jacket – picked up by the support crew), so did the traffic. As I approached Denver, the country roads I was on gave way to suburban roads, and that’s never a particularly pleasant environment in which to run. Perhaps it was the less stimulating surroundings, but I certainly did it a lot tougher this afternoon than I did during the morning.

I finally reached my destination – the home of Peter, brother of the famous Roger “Chook” Evans. You may remember that Roger, and his other brother, Don, have very kindly provided us with the use of a car while we’re in North America. Tonight Peter has provided us with accommodation, for which we’re very appreciative. Thanks Pete.

We began the day by completing the filming with the Channel 9 crew. We’d had a very nice dinner the previous evening with Simon and Greg in the old part of Belgrade, where the whole city appeared to have gathered – the Serbs really enjoy their Saturday night out in the city.

This morning involved different shots of me running through the city, as well as an interview on the river bank. We’d finished filming by mid-morning. I bid farewell to the guys, and driver Zoran, and headed off to the east.

Belgrade was abuzz, especially for a Sunday morning. There was activity of all sorts, including lots of traffic on the road. It was a tough run, and the 35 C (95 F) temperature made it harder than normal. It was also a lot hillier than the past couple of weeks has been.

A lot of the latter part of the run was along the banks of the Danube. However, I think today was the last time I’ll be seeing this river on the world run.

I am hoping tomorrow is a bit cooler, but I’m not holding my breath. After one of the longest and coldest winters on record, there was an almost instantaneous transition to, what is now, the hottest spring ever.